Ekenäs (Tammisaari): Best Things to Do & Travel Guide for 2025

Ekenäs, or Tammisaari, is a city in southern Finland, located between Helsinki and Hanko, roughly halfway between Turku and the capital. It lies on the Gulf of Finland, with canal connections to the Baltic Sea. The city has a strong maritime character, reflected in its layout and numerous naval symbols. During winter, the sea canals often freeze, sometimes trapping ships in the ice.

In this guide, I’ll share the most interesting places I visited, along with personal tips, original photos, and stories.

Ekenäs is about 90 kilometers west of Helsinki. If you're traveling by train, it's worth noting that in Finland, you can bring a bicycle on board. I saw many cyclists transporting their bikes between the seats, making it easy to explore new places upon arrival.

Center of the Ekenäs

How to go to Ekenäs

Traveling from Helsinki to Ekenäs is easy, but there is no direct train. Every day, a train runs via Karis (Karis/Karjaa), where you need to change. These trains also offer a bar service if you want to grab a drink or a snack during the trip. Another option is taking a bus from Helsinki Bus Station (Kamppi Shopping Centre) to Ekenäs and vice versa. However, be prepared for a long journey—the bus makes over 150 stops along the way. I actually caught the bus at a regular bus stop instead of the main station, and it took about 1 hour and 45 minutes to reach Kamppi in Helsinki. 

Ekenäs does not have an airport, so flying directly there is not an option. If you're taking the train, you can buy tickets online or at ticket machines at Helsinki Central Station. Just be careful—not all machines sell long-distance tickets. Some are only for local trains, such as those to the airport. During the summer, tourist ferries are also available, providing a scenic way to reach Ekenäs by sea.

Typical view from the window traveling to Ekenäs

Frozen Ekenäs

When I visited Ekenäs, it was completely covered in ice and snow. It was February, with temperatures ranging from -5 to -15°C. The lakes, canals, and ground were frozen solid. Locals took full advantage of this winter wonderland—some went ice-skating, while others simply walked across the frozen surfaces. However, venturing onto the ice can be risky if you’re unfamiliar with the area and the depth of the lakes or sea canals.

One thing that stood out to me was the strong sauna culture. Saunas are everywhere—next to houses, country cottages, apartment buildings, and even in public spaces. They come in all sizes, and some are even built on trailers, making them mobile.

In the city center, there’s a winter swimming pool right next to a sauna. With the push of a button, the ice is cleared, and the water is heated just enough to keep it accessible. A season pass costs around 80 euros, and members get a key to visit daily, though the sauna operates only on certain days of the week. Some swimmers wear waterproof hats and gloves, but the goal is to spend just a few seconds in the icy water. The key is to stay calm, control your breathing, and not panic. If you’re in good health, it’s worth trying—especially since it’s possible to do it at night as well. Many locals swear by it, saying it’s fantastic for the skin and overall health.

Public open swimming pool with sauna on the right

Anny von Hamburg Ship

I was lucky to visit Ekenäs when this magnificent ship was docked in the port. It was a sunny day, and the captain was casually enjoying his coffee on the shipboard. When I asked him about the ship, he eagerly shared its story and even invited me aboard to see the interior, showing me all the rooms and giving me a brief history of the vessel.

The ship was originally built in 1902 and has changed owners many times over the years. Now, it rests in Ekenäs Port, waiting for summer, when it will set sail towards the southern Baltic Sea. Until then, the captain is simply enjoying his time here, taking a well-earned break.

One particularly fascinating ship with a long history is Anny von Hamburg, a three-masted schooner built in Germany in 1914. Initially named Anny, she started as a cargo ship but was seized by Russia during World War I and renamed Briz. In 1925, she returned to Germany and was given yet another name, Hanna. Over the decades, she had multiple owners, serving as a cargo vessel, a transport ship during World War II, and later as a passenger sailing ship.

After a fire in 1980, she was restored to her original sailing design and renamed Anny once again. She went on to sail in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Baltic Sea. In 2023, a full refit was completed in Finland, equipping her with new masts and sails, and by 2024, she was back in service. Today, Anny von Hamburg remains a testament to over a century of craftsmanship, resilience, and the dedication of those who have kept her alive through the years.

Anna von Hamburg in the ice

Hiking area in Ekenäs

About five kilometers from Ekenäs, there is a beautiful hiking area deep in the forest, where you can walk surrounded by magical nature and wildlife. This area, called Västerby friluftsområde, is easy to find—just enter the name into your navigation, and you'll get there without any trouble. I biked to the trail, and the road felt very safe for cyclists, thanks to the dedicated bike lane. At the trailhead, you can park your bike or continue cycling deeper into the forest.

The landscape is dominated by spruce, pine, and aspen, which repeat endlessly along the trail. These tree species are typical for this part of Europe, creating a classic northern forest atmosphere. If you're hiking in winter, be cautious around the lakes—some may be completely frozen over, blending into the landscape and making them hard to recognize.

Frozen lake on hiking trek

Monuments in Ekenäs

Ekenäs is home to many monuments that tell the story of its rich history. Some of them reflect its naval heritage, dating back to the city's early days. One notable monument is from the Finnish Civil War of 1918, which was fought between the White Army and the Red Army. This memorial, called Minnesmärke för de fängslade röda, bears the names of thousands who were imprisoned during the conflict.

Other monuments in Ekenäs also commemorate World War II, particularly the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union. One detail that fascinates me is how the oak leaf has become a symbolic element of this period, as seen in the monument next to the church.

WW2 Monument, oak leaf as symbol

Unique Baroque Church

One of the symbols of Ekenäs is the Finnish Church, located in the heart of the city. It is the only church in the region built in the Baroque style, using grey stone. Construction began in 1651 at the initiative of Count Gustav Adolf Leijonhufvud and was completed in 1680. However, only a few original elements from this period have survived.

The original altar painting was replaced in 1789. In 1821, a massive fire devastated a large part of Ekenäs, including the church. The church bell fell from the tower and was shattered. The building was reconstructed in 1841 and later restored again in 1959. Today, the church can accommodate around 600 people.

In 1924, a monument was erected outside the church to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the death of astronomer Sigfridus Aronus Forsius.

Inside of the Church

Coffee Shops in Ekenäs

Ekenäs has plenty of cozy coffee shops in the city center, most of which are open until 16:00 or 17:00. A hot drink typically costs around 3 euros. One thing that always surprises me in Nordic countries is the cost of using public toilets—here, they range from 1.5 to 2 euros.

Ekenäs or Tammisaari?

Ekenas is acttually swedish name. Mayority of population in the city are swedish people and thats why this name have prirorty comparing to Tammisaari which is finish name. Monuments in Ekenas are also written in swedish language. People are binative and they are also speaking finish.